Cover Story
Underinsured and overstretched
The face of health care is changing. As Congress readies for a historic vote on a universal health-care bill, many in the health-care system are wondering how a government-run public option would impact their services and those patients currently with little or no health insurance. The repercussions of such a plan might be felt…
Is there anything you would like to accomplish before the year ends?
Ismael Conas retail employee “Finish the nine-book series X-Wing before I go to basic training on Dec. 8.” George Ramos sales representative “Basically they are work related: stay in business, and make money.” Alisha Logan fashion designer “Start my clothing website: Rock n’ Roll Inject.” Jared Mack M.P. “Get my finances in order.”
Political Watch 11-5
Santa Barbara City Councilman Das Williams recently announced that Alexandra Gallardo-Rooker, vice chair of the California Democratic Party, has endorsed his campaign for the 35th Assembly District seat, which is being vacated by Assemblyman Pedro Nava (D-Santa Barbara) in 2010 due to term limits. “Nobody has been a bigger champion for the Santa Barbara and…
Community Notebook 11-5
MONDAY, NOV. 9 • 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, NOV. 10 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s…
Hobnobbing with Helen
What is it about the Foodbank’s annual Empty Bowls event that attracts ever so many people? About 700 showed up for lunch on Oct. 28, 11:30-ish, at the Fairpark. This is amazing! Every year, the crowd gets larger. Those at the head of the line got first crack at choosing a bowl from…
A tree grows in Lompoc
As a gift to beautify the façade of Homebase on G, a new housing development for disabled residents and low-wage earners in Lompoc, four adult trees were planted with help from a $1,500 donation from the Lompoc Valley Botanic and Horticultural Society. The trees are two holly oaks, and two Chinese flames. “It…
Local cops aren’t subject to drug testing
Many jobs these days require random drug testing: If you want to drive a bus in Santa Barbara County, get ready for random drug tests. If you drive a limousine, a taxi, or an ambulance, you’ll be tested over the length of your driving career. And while the Santa Maria Joint Unified School District doesn’t…
Kokkonen to race again
When he was 16 years old, Matt Kokkonen emigrated from Finland to the United States. Kokkonen said he knew he wanted to live in America shortly after his father died. “I dragged my mother down to the U.S. Embassy at Helsinki and went [abroad] by myself,” Kokkonen recalled in a recent interview with the…
Book teaches people what to do If Love Hurts
Santa Barbara County nonprofit Domestic Violence Solutions recently published the book, If Love Hurts, in recognition of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Written mostly by survivors of abuse living in Santa Barbara County, the book is a collection of stories designed to tell the truth about the effects of physical and emotional violence on children,…
Hancock development workshop is open to all local contractors
On Nov. 6, Allan Hancock College will be hosting a free contracting workshop where participants can learn more about the upcoming capital improvement projects being developed as part of the college’s facilities master plan. This includes the Student Services Center set to break ground early next year. Sponsored by the college and the Santa…
Vandenberg schedules controlled burn to collect air quality data
Vandenberg Air Force Base engineers are planning to conduct two separate controlled burns on land near the base in Lompoc from now until Nov. 13, base officials recently announced. The burns will take place from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. in two different locations. The Grant Burn includes more than 300 acres north of…
Waterfield leaves Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce to focus on Assembly race
After almost six years of service, Etta Waterfield is stepping down as head of the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Economic Development Committee to focus on her campaign for the 33rd District Assembly seat. Her last day at the chamber was Oct. 30. “The reason I am stepping down from this wonderful organization…
SLORTA gives up on $900,000 green dream and goes back to diesels
The hybrid vehicle movement had finally come to public transportation on the Central Coast. At least that’s the way it was advertised when the San Luis Obispo Regional Transportation Authority (SLORTA), the consortium that operates more than 40 buses on routes between San Simeon and Santa Maria, bought two hybrid-electric buses a few years ago…
Bridget Wilson
After Bridget Wilson scored the “winning goal” on Dr. Jose Ortiz, Allan Hancock College president, during the unveiling of the new soccer scoreboard, I approached her with utmost caution: It’s not wise to make the school president look like a bad goalie. Wilson has no recollection of when she started playing soccer. From what…
Soft tip, dead aim
Think you’ve got the chops to put plastic on target inside a space the size of a quarter from six feet away? There are some people at DJ’s Saloon in Lompoc who want to have a word with you. DJ’s hosts an open soft-tip dart tournament every Sunday starting around 1 p.m. and running…
Sports Shorts
This week’s Sports Shorts was compiled by Intern Henry Houston. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
My denture adventure
Dental insurance through my job is expensive but well worth it. Twice now it’s completely paid for a comprehensive exam and full set of x-rays that have definitively established I cannot afford to have my teeth fixed. Both estimates for the work I need came in around $12,000 with the good news that the insurance…
Everybody wins at Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s 15th annual bowl-a-thon
Everybody wins at Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s 15th annual bowl-a-thon Groups of middle-schoolers stood in clusters around ball returns at Rancho Bowl in Santa Maria on Oct. 28 at the 15th annual Dick Wicks’ Memorial Strike a Partnership Bowl-A-Thon, waiting for their turn to knock down some pins. After each student bowled, people…
Orcutt Academy opens a new science lab
Students attending biology and other life science classes at Orcutt Academy High School now have a new facility in which to do their experiments. On Oct. 29, the Spartans hosted a grand opening ceremony to show off the charter school’s brand new classroom and lab on the Orcutt Junior High School campus. Associated…
BOCH hires staff assistant
The organization behind the “10-Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness in Santa Barbara County,” Bringing Our Community Home, announced Hannah Wolf has joined the group as its new staff assistant. Wolf boasts more than six years’ experience working with community programs. She served as a day camp counselor at the Santa Barbara Family YMCA,…
Skin clinic adds new blood
Santa Maria doctor Michael Moats and the staff of Moats Laser and Skin Care recently welcomed Aesthetic Nurse Specialist Kathy Nicassio to their team. Nicassio brings to Moats’ practice more than eight years of experience in the field of facial rejuvenation. She has extensive training in Botox and dermal fillers, is a certified allergian…
Recession? Get over it!
The Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Committee to Improve North County invite business leaders to help start the economic recovery at the 2010 Economic and Business Outlook Conference on Nov. 17. The conference will feature speakers covering all aspects of local and statewide economies. Chief of the Economic Development Division of…
Still fresh after all these years
The Portuguese and Swiss-Italian ranchers who settled in the Santa Maria Valley created a signature cuisine featuring succulent beef grilled over a red oak fire. Arriving on their heels at the dawn of the 20th century, Japanese farmers brought with them an equally compelling culinary tradition that showcases ocean-fresh fish and just-picked vegetables. Since…
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…
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…
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…
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…
HEALTH
SANSUM CLINIC offers a cholesterol management class on Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A “Medicare: Get the Most Out of It” class is Nov. 10 from 10:30 a.m. to noon at the clinic. Free. A “Diabetes Essentials” class is Nov. 12 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. at…
ART
THE MCKEON-PHILLIPS WINERY presents an art show opening featuring Barbara Alloway, wine, and food on Nov. 6 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the McKeon-Phillips Winery, 2115 S. Blosser Road, Santa Maria. Cost is $10. Info: 928-3025. THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents the mixed media drawings of Richard Fisher showing through Nov. 30…
LEARNING
ONGOING EDUCATIONAL WORKSHOPS for inventors, entrepreneurs, new product developers, and creative individuals that feature expert speakers and resources meet every first Wednesday of the month from 6 to 7 p.m. for the public at the eastside branch of the Santa Barbara Public Library, 1100 E. Montecito St. Info: 879-1729. BUSINESS SKILLS OPEN LAB…
RECREATION
THE SANTA MARIA VALLEY YMCA holds registration for Adult Arena Soccer in several divisions with the deadline Jan. 14. Cost is $400 for member teams, $425 for participant teams. Info: 937-8521. ONGOING A MEN’S AND WOMEN’S BEACH FLAG FOOTBALL LEAGUE with four-on-four teams, no contact, is every Sunday at the beach in front…
KIDS & FAMILY
THE CITY OF SANTA MARIA Recreation and Parks Department presents an “Improv for Teens” class for kids ages 13 to 18 years through Nov. 16 at the Abel Maldonado Youth Center, 600 S. McClelland St., Santa Maria. Cost is $54.50, $43 for city residents. A “Fitness Training by Aztec” class for those 14 years and…
DANCE LESSONS
DANCE WITH US offers dance classes Nov. 4, 11, and 25 with beginning/intermediate East Coast swing at 6:30 p.m. and beginning salsa at 7:30 p.m. at the Lompoc Civic Auditorium, 224 South St., Lomoc. Cost is $10, $20 for three weeks. Info: DanceWithUs.biz. ONGOING EVERYBODY CAN DANCE offers classes in ballet dance for…
STAGE
PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe, based on the novel by C.S. Lewis Nov. 5 through Dec. 23 in the Marian Theatre, 800 S College, Santa Maria. Cost is $26.25 to $30. Info: 922-8313 or pcpa.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE VALLEY COMMUNITY THEATRE presents its production…
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:…
CONCERTS
BOOMERS! presents a Battle of the Bands competition featuring a finale night Nov. 5 at Boomers, Santa Maria. Info: 928-4942 or BoomersParks.com. THE ORTHODOX CHURCH OF THE ANNUNCIATION presents a concert featuring rock and roll hall of fame artist Chris Hillman in concert with Herb Pederson and friends in benefit of the church on…
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE SANTA MARIA PUBLIC LIBRARY presents “A Night of Chumash Dance, Song, and Cultural History” on Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at the Santa Maria Public Library, Shepard Hall, 421 South McClelland St., Santa Maria. Info: 925-0094, Ext. 117, or dhildinger@ci.santa-maria.ca.us. SPECIAL OLYMPICS NORTHERN SANTA BARBARA COUNTY holds the annual Crab-a-Licious Torch Run Crab…
Hear the Winds
The Santa Maria Winds will soon blow through the Santa Maria Town Center. Hear the ensemble from 2 to 4 p.m. on Nov. 8 in Center Court. Santa Maria Winds was founded by Carol Houchens, Dr. Lawrence Lee, and Patricia Lynn, who are active members in the Santa Maria Philharmonic Orchestra. Members of the…
Artists wanted
The Santa Maria Public Library wants some fresh work for its space. The Shepard Gallery exhibition call for artists deadline is Dec. 11 at 5 p.m. Work will be juried by the library’s Art Advisory Committee and is selected for showing based on the images submitted. Selected artists will exhibit their work for one-month…
Folk fusion
Sometimes she’s quiet and reserved, but she’s never at a loss for words. She just keeps them carefully guarded. Santa Cruz singer/songwriter Amy Obenski pours the right words into songs with profound lyrics sung with smooth honey vocals. “What’s really important to me is in those songs. The stuff I write about is the…
Death and games
What do a rooster, mermaid, umbrella, watermelon, shrimp, musician, spider, and cactus have in common? Each is an image depicted on a lotería card—a game much like bingo but most prevalently played in Mexico. The lotería cards are putting in an appearance at ARTS Space Obispo in San Luis Obispo through Nov. 13 as part…
