Cover Story
The human toll of recession
Unless you’ve been living in a cave for the past nine months, you know the economy is in dire straits and isn’t going to get better any time soon. The statistics don’t lie, but they also don’t tell the whole story. Lost among the facts and figures are the effects of the recession on mental…
How are you dealing with the economic woes?
Stefanie Hassett administrative assistant “Fortunately, we haven’t been affected to badly but we are still watching how we spend our money.” Corey Thompson smiley face artist “I don’t know. I’m just going with the flow.” Veralynn Leos Del Taco enthusiast “Looking for jobs like crazy! No one is hiring! Other than that, just eating at…
Somber service
Santa Barbara County Supervisor Joni Gray (4th District) speaks at a Memorial Day ceremony May 25 at the Guadalupe Cemetery. “We want to talk about remembering the guys we went to school with that aren’t here anymore that fought and died, the moms who stayed home and worried, and the wives whose husbands didn’t come…
Political Watch 5-28
• Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger’s challenge to the people of California—“If you don’t like the cuts, sit down with a pen and pencil and figure out where the money is going to come from”—seems even more necessary now that voters overwhelmingly voted against the Legislature’s budget proposal. In an effort to help Californians close the budget…
Community Notebook 5-28
TUESDAY, JUNE 2 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of Supervisors Hearing Room, 105 E. Anapamu St., Santa Barbara. Agendas are available at http://bos-agenda.sbcgov.net. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office…
Under construction
Just as students are breathing a sigh of relief at the end of finals at Allan Hancock College, construction crews are getting ready to start a host of projects on campus. This summer kicks off a wave of construction projects at the college’s Santa Maria campus that are expected to last three to five…
Pet palace
Heading west on Stowell Road toward the ocean, it’s crop fields and industrial buildings as far as the eye can see—but not for long. On May 21, the Santa Valley Humane Society broke ground on its new adoption and boarding facility. Once completed, the building will be home to not only the organization’s adoption and…
Run for families
On May 30, the Family Care Network will host its 6th annual Miracle Miles for Kids 10K walk/run, benefiting high needs children and families. The 10K race runs along the Morro Rock to the Cayucos Pier, one of the most beautiful stretches of beach in California. The Family Care Network is the largest private, nonprofit…
County Board of Supervisors moves to toughen Jessica’s Law restrictions
In the wake of the Kenneth Rasmuson controversy, the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors is looking to tighten restrictions on where convicted sex offenders can reside. Supervisor Joni Gray (4th District) brought the matter to the board at a hearing on May 19. The board voted unanimously to introduce an ordinance expanding on Jessica’s…
And the GEM goes to…And the GEM goes to…
The city of Santa Maria recently recognized its water resources division customer service team—Rod Rodriguez, Cynthia Torres, Karl Kovarik, and Bill Cyr, of the Utilities Department—as the Going the Extra Mile (GEM) Award winners for the first quarter of 2009. Each employee received a GEM certificate from City Manager Tim Ness during a presentation at…
Fire assistance center open for business
It’s just since May 18 that the Santa Barbara County Office of Emergency Services (OES) opened its Local Assistance Center for victims of the recent Jesusita Fire, but according to OES spokesman Richard Abrams the center might end up closing soon. “We were anticipating more people being in need,” Abrams said. “This fire wasn’t the…
County Board of Supervisors denies salary increases for department heads
Salaries of Santa Barbara County officials won’t be going up any time soon, following a decisive decision from the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors. On May 19, the board voted 4-1, with 4th District Supervisor Joni Gray dissenting, to deny salary increases for the recently appointed retirement system CEO. Also, the board voted 3-1,…
Santa Maria welcomes new director of community development
The city of Santa Maria announced the appointment of Larry Appel as its new director of community development beginning June 8. Appel replaces Kirk Lindsay, who retired in December 2008 after seven years. He has served for the last two years as deputy director of planning services with El Dorado County Development Services Department. Appel…
WEV celebrates its graduates
After 14 weeks of classes, Women’s Economic Ventures graduated 91 participants in its Self-Employment Training Course from Santa Barbara and Ventura counties on May 18. Of those graduates, 14 came from the group’s Spanish and English SET courses in Santa Maria. The graduates will go on to fulfill their dreams of owning their own businesses,…
Nipomo’s New Age
A new metaphysical and new age bookstore, Wisdom Island, has moved into Nipomo. The bookstore specializes in astrology software, fountains, feng shui elements, sacred statuary, incense, candles, tarot cards and oracles, jewelry, crystals, greeting cards, and more. Owners Kalua Kuhnle and Sampa Tacorda serve Hilo Hawaiian coffee and exotic teas and offer a relaxed atmosphere…
All in the name of scholarship
“Community Supporting Community” will be the theme of the day May 28 when the Allan Hancock College Foundation plans to award 289 scholarships worth more than $250,000 to 250 students at the college’s 40th annual scholarship awards banquet. More than 700 students, relatives, friends, donors, and community members are expected to attend the 6 p.m.…
Accredited childcare recognized in Santa Barbara County
Research has shown that “warm, loving, and home-like settings” are natural environments for children during early childhood, according to a press release from First 5 Santa Barbara County. According to the release, accreditation from the National Association for Family Child Care (NAFCC) is recognized as the highest indicator that a family child-care program offers a…
Get ready for summer art with the C Gallery
As much art class as summer socializing, C Galley in Los Alamos is offering a variety of short-term classes for summer. The lineup begins in June with a couple of Saturday workshops for women, June 6 and July 11. On June 6, with room for only five women, there will be a class in India…
Wrecked him?
I had a lot of friends growing up. My friends and I loved Garbage Pail Kids, G.I. Joe, and hearing the sound of the nearby ice cream truck. As time goes on, friends grow apart and nowadays, there are some whose names and faces I can hardly even remember. Except for one particular friend; I’ll…
Make Dickens and Milton look like bloviated windbags!
Fifty-five Fiction is once again upon us. We, at the Sun, can predict the arrival of our annual literary competition with nary a calendar in sight. The anticipation begins in spring, with the slightest of mental twinges, followed by electric charges of excitement intermingled with panic. The masses of entries are on their way; many…
Desert destination
“How do you think he survives in there?” “Maybe it grows a spear out of its head and shocks the other fish that get near. Maybe it’s the Electric Spear Fish that mutated out in the desert.” We were leaning over the deck at the Silver Saddle Ranch & Club contemplating the moxy of a…
Drea Prescott
Don’t let 4-year-old Drea Prescott’s size fool you. The pintsize Santa Marian is one powerhouse of a swimmer, according to Santa Maria Valley YMCA’s aquatics and sports program director Angeli Guerrero. When she nominated Prescott for the Sun’s Athlete of the Week, Guerrero said Prescott is a bit of a paddling phenomenon in the Y’s…
Register for swim club class
The Santa Maria Swim Club is currently accepting registrations for those interested in taking part in their summer swim programs. If you can swim one length of freestyle, you can join the Aquabears team. Sessions will be held on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, June 22 through August 7 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. Registration…
Parks and Rec summer swimming
Junior lifeguard classes for youth ages 9 to 14 years old will be held at the Paul Nelson and Pioneer Valley High School pools beginning in late June. Participants will learn rescue and stroke techniques, fitness skills, and teamwork. They must possess a Level 6 American Red Cross swim card or be able to swim…
Reuniting and it feels so good
Former Santa Maria swimmers, lifeguards, divers, aqua fins, and water polo players from the 1950s to the 1990s are invited to meet at a reunion held at Santa Maria High School on August 15. Past All-Americans, NCAA champions, and others coached by Phil Wall or Karl Bell will be on hand. A barbecue will be…
Santa Maria’s model flyboys
I’ve already taken one wrong turn when I notice a bright red model airplane doing what could only loosely be termed as “flying.” A better description would be “flinging itself drunkenly through the air,” as the pilot dances the little plane across the sky. Unofficially, guys have been meeting to fly model airplanes in Santa…
Union banks are not public troughs
As major banks with local branches continue to ask for our taxpayer dollars in bailout funds, we see two themes emerge as excuses for their current despicable condition and reasons why they should not be taken over by the federal government, reorganized, and resold to the private sector. Everyone has memories of President Franklin D.…
Rodeo libations
Every year, when the first week of June rolls around, Santa Maria morphs from a quiet town famed for its strawberries, row crops, and fine wineries into a boot-stomping burg of bronco riders and barrel racers. Accomplished cowpokes and wannabe rancheros alike welcome the festivities of the famous Elks Rodeo, though many agree that the…
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
WORTH THE DRIVE THE UNITED CHURCH OF CHRIST OF SLO holds a parking lot barbecue featuring chicken or tri-tip including bread, beans, and salad May 30 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the church, 11245 Los Osos Valley Road, SLO. Cost is $8. ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at…
Health
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER presents a “Diabetes: Are You at Risk?” class June 3 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. A “Stroke Screening” features sessions from 8 a.m. to noon June 4. “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. Info:…
Art
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE presents “Creating Sanctuary”, featuring abstract paintings by Lawrence Abrahamsen, through May 29 at the Allan Hancock College Ann Foxworthy Gallery, Student Center, 800 S. College, Santa Maria. Info: 922-6966, Ext. 3252. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents an art exhibit titled “California Gold” featuring the works of Sharon Foster and Patricia Stalter…
Learning
THE AMERICAN RED CROSS holds Disaster Training Classes on the third Saturday of the month through May in Santa Maria and the fourth Saturday of the month through May in Santa Barbara. Info: 687-1331, Ext. 124. ST. PETER’S EPISCOPAL CHURCH presents an introductory class on the Bible with Reverend Canon Deborah Dunn on Tuesdays through…
Recreation
THE CITY OF LOMPOC PARKS, RECREATION, 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…
Kids & Family
THE SANTA MARIA RECREATION AND PARK DEPARTMENT offers an “Intro at the Skatepark” skateboarding class June 2 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…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATER presents its production of Grease May 29 and 30 and June 5 through 7 at the Pismo Beach Veteran’s Hall, Pismo Beach. Info: 471-4976 or pismobeachyouththeater.com. KELRIK PRODUCTIONS presents its production of Beauty and the Beast on through May 30, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at…
Stage
WORTH THE DRIVE THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATER presents its production of Grease May 29 and 30 and June 5 through 7 at the Pismo Beach Veteran’s Hall, Pismo Beach. Info: 471-4976 or pismobeachyouththeater.com. KELRIK PRODUCTIONS presents its production of Beauty and the Beast on through May 30, Thursdays through Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. at…
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 2009 CONCERT SERIES presents Brian Vander Ark in concert featuring Still Evolving May 29 at 7 p.m. at the Kossuth House, Santa Maria. Info: 264-3170 or stillevolvingmusic.com. 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…
Special Events
THE SANTA BARBARA COUNTY FAIR accepts entries for the 2009 Commercial Wine Competition through May 29. The competition is June 10 at the Santa Maria Fairpark, 937 South Thornburg St., Santa Maria. Info: sbwinecompetition.com or 925-8824. THE LUIS OASIS SENIOR CENTER presents a “Celebrate the Philippine Islands” event May 30 from 3 to 5 p.m.…
