Cover Story
Quit cold turkey
Ah, Thanksgiving. Mashed potatoes, yams, stuffing, and … tofu-based turkey substitute? Don’t look so surprised, you carnivores. There are plenty of people out there who will be giving thanks without the turkey. And while meat eaters may roll their eyes at the mere thought of a tofurky, that infamous veggie-friendly substitute isn’t necessarily as prevalent…
Santa Maria to lose red light cameras, for now
The red light traffic enforcement cameras at two Santa Maria intersections are coming down, but that doesn’t mean drivers are going to have it any easier if they run a stoplight. “Whether you get a ticket from a camera or an officer, the fine is still $406 for running a red light,” city spokesman Mark…
What are you thankful for this year?
Robert Salinas construction worker “More money, and happiness.” Amber Scott barista “My family. It’s so nice to have someone to depend on when going through hard times.” Eric Salguero entrepreneur “Good friends, and family.” Cesar Jaramilo grease monkey “Getting engaged to a great girl.”
Political Watch 11-26
On Nov. 18, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation to increase resources for the country’s firefighters. The Fire Grants Reauthorization Act (H.R. 3791) authorizes a total of $2.2 billion a year in grants for local municipalities to upgrade equipment and maintain adequate levels of personnel, according to a press release from the office of…
Community Notebook 11-26
TUESDAY, DEC. 1 • 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 santabarbara.legistar.com/Calendar.aspx#current. • The Vandenberg Village Community Services District has its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. in the District Office…
Happiness is a warm cat
In ancient Egyptian times, cats were revered as kings. And man has always loved dogs, giving them a place of honor since long before Lassie saved Timmy again and again from the abyss of the well. These days, however, many dogs and cats are stuck in a rut, facing loneliness during the holidays. You can…
Credit where it’s due
In the Santa Maria Sun’s Holiday Guide that debuted on Nov. 19, Neal Breton of SLO Art Supply played the menacing holiday monster, while Rachel Krauss played the ingénue in distress. News Briefs is compiled by Sun staffers from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax,…
Santa Maria approves a new bike plan
The Santa Maria City Council on Nov. 17 approved a bike plan that will add 139 new miles of bike paths, lanes, and routes and fill in gaps in the city’s existing bike path network. The Bikeway Master Plan, which will become effective in December, will connect neighborhoods to the downtown area, parks, and schools,…
Sen. Abel Maldonado nominated for lieutenant governor
At a press conference in Los Angeles on Nov. 24, Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger announced that he has nominated Sen. Abel Maldonado as California’s lieutenant governor. If confirmed by the Legislature, the Santa Maria Republican will replace exiting Lt. Governor John Garamendi, who was recently elected to Congress. “[Maldonado] is more than just a strong leader…
Life in the fast lane
Comcast customers in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Orcutt can now surf the web faster than ever as the cable and Internet provider announced it’s upgrading from broadband to wideband. As part of the deployment, Comcast is launching two premium speed tiers to its residential and business class customers. The residential tiers include Extreme 50, offering…
Motionz is five
Motionz owners Mary and George Majoue recently celebrated the laser tag arena’s five-year anniversary at Town Center Mall. Since opening Motionz on Nov. 12 of 2004, the Majoues have developed a loyal staff of associates, who are put through an intensive selection process before being hired. Motionz is located on the second floor of the…
Find real home cooking
Nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity has collected the best recipes from its members and friends in the North County community, compiling them into a cookbook. Boasting 200 recipes—including appetizers, main dishes, and desserts—the cookbook is available at the Habitat Office and ReStore at 2053-B Preisker Lane in Santa Maria. It costs $9.95 including tax,…
Syngenta buys Pybas Seeds
Swiss seed company Syngenta recently announced the acquisition of Santa Maria-based Pybas Vegetable Seed Co., Inc. Syngenta will expand in the North American lettuce market and broaden its lettuce development portfolio in Europe and Asia, according to the company’s website. Pybas Seeds, at 2330 A St., unit B, in Santa Maria, is an organic breeder…
Help local students at donorschoose.org
A Lompoc High School teacher is using the online education charity donorschoose.org to encourage people to help provide his students with visual arts materials and resources. Eleventh-grade teacher Andy Newbre recently created his project, titled “Digital Videography,” on the website. “I started my digital photography/videography program three years ago and it has blossomed to include…
Start the New Year with new AHC classes
The Allan Hancock College spring 2010 credit schedule is now available online at hancockcollege.edu. According to a press release from the college, there are nearly 1,200 classes being offered, many of which begin the week of Feb. 1. The spring schedule contains a complete list of semester-length and Fast Track/Term classes, along with more than…
Maddie Mastrup
The current hasn’t always flowed to the benefit of Maddie Mastrup, but that never slowed her—it only made her stronger. She’s overcome any adversity facing her to the point where adversity now cowers in fear of her ability to improve beyond the highest expectations. “I started swimming when I was about 9,” Mastrup said, soaking…
West Coast Xtreme places third in tourney
The eighth grade girls’ basketball team from West Coast Xtreme took home third place honors in the Newbury Park Basketball Association fifth annual Fall and Winter Basketball Classic on Nov. 14. The team opened the two-day event with a 28-27 win over North Star. They lost to Ventura Elite in the semi-final, but came from…
Los Flores Ranch Park gets new hours
Officials for Los Flores Ranch Park have changed the hours of operation for visitors and equestrians. Hours for the visitor center entrance have changed to Fridays through Sundays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the last entry at 4 p.m. The equestrian center side will be open Thursdays and weekends from 9 a.m. to…
Let us give thanks
Every year, we celebrate Thanksgiving as a time to count our blessings, spend time with family, eat our fill of a traditional feast, and watch a parade and football game while reclining with our pants unzipped—and it’s perfectly acceptable. So from whence did this tradition come? Oh, I know it has something to do with…
Music to your ears
Give yourself an early gift this season with an evening performance of the String Trio. These three members of the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra will treat the audience to a variety of holiday compositions from the classics to contemporary. Come listen and enjoy, and bring friends, at 7 p.m. on Dec. 10 in Shepard Hall.…
It’s award time
The Santa Barbara County Arts Commission’s announcement of this year’s Leadership in the Arts Award will take place at a festive celebration and holiday gathering in the Channing Peake Gallery during 1st Thursday in Downtown Santa Barbara on Dec. 3. Chair Barbara Burger will present the award on behalf of the Arts Commission to longtime…
Chasing the fall
The sun made its late-afternoon appearance, so I ditched my sweater, grabbed some of my favorite CDs, and hit the road. I was searching for fall color. Every year, our friends and family from the Midwest tell us how we don’t really have seasons and how we’re missing the beauty of seeing the leaves turn.…
Rise and shine!
You’ll crack up laughing at Santa Maria Civic Theatre’s latest production, Wake Up, Darling. The story focuses on a young couple, Don and Polly Emerson. He’s a would-be playwright and she’s a would-be actress, both of questionable talent (unlike the actors who play them—they’re definitely talented). In the opening scene, Polly bursts onstage with 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…
Barbecues
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. John…
Health
MARIAN MEDICAL CENTER offers a “Smart Eating for Kids and Teens” class meeting the first Monday of each month this year from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Medical Center at 1400 E. Church St., Santa Maria. Info: 739-3578. ONGOING SYCAMORE MINERAL SPRINGS HEALING ARTS INSTITUTE offers a range of classes including yoga and meditation,…
Art
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the mixed media drawings of Richard Fisher showing through Nov. 30 at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Also showing at the library is a historical photo essay highlighting Native American culture through Nov. 30. Info: 925-0994, Ext. 117 or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. THE…
Learning
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH, Recreation Division Community Development Department, presents a tamale-making class for locals ages 14 and up on Dec. 3 from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Pismo Beach Veterans’ Hall, 780 Bello St., Pismo Beach. Cost is $35. Info: 773-7063 or pismobeach.org. ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs,…
Recreation
THE GUADALUPE-NIPOMO DUNES CENTER offers a “Post Turkey-Day Hike” at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve on Nov. 27 at 9 a.m. meeting at the Rancho Guadalupe Dunes Preserve parking lot at Mussel Point, Guadalupe. Info: dunescenter.org or 343-2455. THE CABRILLO HIGH SCHOOL AQUARIUM opens to the public on Dec. 2 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.…
Kids & Family
THE PISMO BEACH YOUTH THEATRE presents musical theater production classes for 4th through 8th graders for a production of Annie meeting Wednesdays from 4 to 5:30 p.m. through Dec. at Temple Beth El, 1501 E. Alvin, Santa Maria. Cost is $40 per month. Info: 471-4976 or pismobeachyouththeater.com. THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks…
Dance Lessons
WORTH THE DRIVE THE CENTRAL COAST FOLLIES host dance lessons for those aged 55 to 70 with Jason Sumabat on Sundays from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. through Dec. 13 at the Dellos Dance Studio, 1030 Huston, Grover Beach. Info: 474-1525 or dixiep@sbcglobal.net. THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a…
Stage
SANTA MARIA CIVIC THEATRE presents its production of Wake Up, Darling, directed by Meg Smith, Nov. 27, 28, and Dec. 4, 5, 11, and 12 at 8 p.m. at the theater, 1660 N. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Cost is $14. Info: 922-4442 or smct.org. STEVE LAVAGNINO FOR SUPERVISOR presents a fundraising stand-up comedy show featuring…
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 Broadway,…
Concerts
THE SANTA MARIA HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUMENTAL PROGRAM presents a Winter Concert featuring performances by the Saints Band and the school’s Jazz Ensemble on Dec. 3 at 6 p.m. at the Ethel Pope Auditorium on South Broadway in Santa Maria. Cost is $3. Info: 925-2567.
Special Events
THE ALTRUSA CLUB OF THE CENTRAL COAST FOUNDATION presents its “Festival of Trees” Nov. 27 through Dec. 12 at the Santa Maria Town Center, Santa Maria. Cost is $1 for a single ticket, $6 for five tickets. Info: 937-0222. RIVERBENCH VINEYARD AND WINERY holds a signature laser-engraving event on Nov. 28 from 10 a.m. to…
Grab your passport
Want to avoid the retail rush of Black Friday and still scoop up some early gifts? If you’re looking for edibles, imbibables, or just the right gadget for the wine-loving foodies on your list, plan to snap up some deals during Wine Christmas Passport Weekend, hosted by Santa Maria Valley Wine Country. Slated for Saturday…
Blue streak
The 2009 incarnation of Allan Hancock College football wasn’t quite perfect. But if it’s any consolation, how does “Team of the Decade” sound? “As an overall unit, this is the best team I’ve coached,” said Hancock head coach Kris Dutra prior to the postseason. “We might have had some teams where there were some more…
Water waste?
Assembly Minority Leader Sam Blakeslee persuaded enough of his Republican colleagues to narrowly pass comprehensive water legislation, the Senate followed suit, and the five-bill package—including an $11.1-billion bond measure—has been signed by the governor. Now the real fight begins. The package includes auspicious steps to conserve and regulate water usage in the state and examine…
Activists claim harassment
World War-II veteran Elden “Bud” Booth has been protesting missile testing at Vandenberg Air Force Base since 1983. Over that period, the 84-year-old has been detained several times by base personnel, as have several members of a small group of activists who hold signs at their regular monthly protests. For the most part, the gatherings…
Hamster Dance
My daughter has one of those enormous hearts that has all kinds of room in it to love all of the Earth’s different creatures. Unfortunately for her, the mom she was assigned to by the random draw of birth does not want any of the Earth’s little creatures inside “her” house. My wife, whom I…
