Cover Story
Dark money political groups target voters based on Internet habits
Lauren Berns was browsing Talking Points Memo when he saw an ad with President Obama’s face. “Stop the Reckless Spending,” the ad read, and in smaller print, “Paid for by Crossroads GPS.” Berns was surprised. Why was Crossroads GPS, a group that powerful Republican strategist Karl Rove helped found, advertising on a liberal-leaning political website?…
On the roster
• Central Coast Sharks Youth Rugby: Boys ages 9 to 18 from Northern Santa Barbara County are invited to sign up for youth rugby with the Central Coast Sharks. Practices will be held on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and Wednesday nights. The season runs from January to April. Registration is $150 and includes registration with…
Hancock’s Artis-Payne is on a tear
Allan Hancock College running back Cameron Artis-Payne is racking up the awards in 2012, evidenced by his recent selection as the Southern California Football Association National Division Northern Conference’s Player of the Week for the third time in five weeks. Artis-Payne, who was the Sun’s Athlete of the Week for Sept. 20, ran for 206…
Ride 2 Recovery hits Solvang
More than 200 cyclists, including injured veterans and their supporters, are scheduled to arrive in Solvang on Oct. 25 as part of the Ride 2 Recovery Golden State Challenge. The event, presented by United Healthcare, is a seven-day, 450-mile ride along the scenic California coast from San Francisco to Los Angeles. The public is encouraged…
Not so black and white
The human appendix is one of those things we never really notice is there, until something goes wrong. Similarly, football referees are something we pay little attention to—until they screw up. In light of some recent questionable calls in the NFL, football referees have gained some unpleasant notoriety, making it painstakingly clear that football officiating…
Athlete of the Week: Chris Hammell
What are the secrets to success as you bring home the gold medal and become the Black Belt World Champion in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu? “A positive attitude, supportive family, good food, and wine” explained the newly crowned world champion. Chris Hammell 40, a local and manager of Bien Nacido Vineyards took gold in the biggest event…
In the tradition of fun
Music has always been one of the oldest traditions, and today is no different. A traditional celebration is taking place in Santa Maria due to the concerted efforts of the Mexican Ladies Social Club. The Black and White Ball is a traditional formal affair that has taken place for decades in Santa Maria, and in…
Celebrate Day of the Dead
The Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Cultural Festival runs from noon to 6 p.m. on Oct. 28 at the Veterans’ Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St. The free event offers a fun-filled day of visual and musical entertainment, a children’s parade, youth activities, an art show, food, activities for the children,…
Cabrillo presents Being Earnest
The Cabrillo High School Drama Department presents Oscar Wilde’s The Importance of Being Earnest on Oct. 19, 20, 26, and 27 at 7:30 p.m. at the Cabrillo High School Little Theater, 4350 Constellation Road, in Vandenberg Village. Joyce Mayhew directs the classic comedy, which involves Jack Worthing, a wealthy man who lives in the country,…
Take in ‘Flowers, Fauna, and Fun’
An art reception highlighting the acrylic paintings of Franczeska Bobi Angel will be held at the Town Center Gallery, 312 Town Center West, B6, on Friday, Oct. 26, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. The event is free and open to the public. “Flowers, Fauna, and Fun” is a collection of paintings of forms from nature…
Explore the American landscape
Paul J. McCloskey’s latest collection of work, “Sacred Light—Sacred Lands” will be on display through Nov. 30 at the Corner House Coffee Café, 2902 San Marcos Ave. in Los Olivos. The exhibit is a continuing collection of work of national parks and monuments and the American landscape, including the Badlands, Cape Cod National Seashore, Carrizo…
Tales of transportation terror
Gather round, children, and I will tell you a haunting tale. Everything in this frightening story is absolutely true, and I have the pink slips to prove it! Stephen King had his Christine, Henry Ford had the Edsel, and NBC had My Mother the Car. But none of these nightmarish sedans can equal my own…
Art for all
For people who have a creative streak but who haven’t pursued a career in the arts, there may be few opportunities to exhibit. That reality is what made the return of the National Arts Program to Santa Maria so exciting for city and school district employees. The program gives artists who wouldn’t ordinarily have the…
At the barn
Cloudy, rainy, and muddy. There’s no better weather to take a trip to the pumpkin patch—if you’re a preschooler. Though the weather was less than ideal, a troop of preschoolers from the YMCA didn’t seem to mind as they stomped and splashed their way around Avila Valley Barn on their annual trip to the pumpkin…
Do you like referees?
Angela Muller tourist from Germany “No, I do not like referees.” Uwe Muller tourist from Germany “I like referees.” Angela Jenkins homemaker “They make mistakes once in a while, but they’re human.” Tony Lopez longshoreman “70 percent of the time I agree with them.”
As good as it gets
Awarded “California Vineyard of the Year” in 2010 by the California State Fair, named one of the “Top 25 Vineyards in the World” by Wine and Spirits Magazine, and called one of the “Ten Best Vineyards” by Food and Wine magazine, the esteemed Bien Nacido Vineyards is something special. The parcel east of Santa Maria…
How hipsters will save the world!
The word on the street about hipsters is that we’re a bunch of know-it-all jerks. (I say “we” because I ride a bicycle and I write about art for a living, so apparently I’m in the club, too. Whatever. I mean, it’s cool.) Knowing this, however, a recent study surprised me. Conducted last month by…
Bridging the achievement gap
The Parent Institute for Quality Education (PIQE) is opening an office in Santa Maria. Located at 2601 Skyway Drive, suites A2-6 and 7, it offers parenting classes and other services to low-income and immigrant parents. The organization teaches parents how to navigate the school system and take advantage of the educational opportunities available to their…
They’ll keep the lights on for you
After-school programs can be lifesavers to working parents because they keep kids safe and offer good learning environments. On Oct. 18, the Santa Maria Valley ASES (After School Education & Safety) program will hold a “Lights On Afterschool” open house from 4:30 to 6 p.m. highlighting all of the ASES sites within the Santa Maria-Bonita…
A job hunter’s paradise
Those in need of employment look no further: The annual Career Exploration Day at Allan Hancock College is on Oct. 19. The event will run from 9:30 a.m. to noon on the Santa Maria campus. “Some of the best jobs today did not even exist 10, five, or even one year ago. And many of…
Hobnobbing With Helen
Yes, it’s true. I was one of the last 10 people to leave the Santa Maria Country Club on Saturday evening, Oct. 6., when the United Way held its annual Mayors Ball and major fundraiser. It’s tough to tear yourself away from the San Luis Jazz Band, which played for after-dinner and after-auction dancing. They…
Fill bowls and fill stomachs
Everyone can relate to the feeling of hunger; some know it as a constant struggle in their daily life. In efforts to defeat hunger, the Foodbank of Santa Barbara County will be host to its 11th annual Santa Maria Empty Bowls charity fundraiser event at the Santa Maria Fairpark on Oct. 24, from 11:30 a.m.…
Spotlight on: El Rancho Marketplace
Since it was founded in 1966, El Rancho Marketplace has been a mainstay for grocery shoppers in the Santa Ynez Valley. With a second location opening in Pismo Beach’s Pismo Coast Plaza, where Scolari’s Market used to be, owner Alfred Holzheu hopes to extend the reach of his community-oriented business into a greater expanse of…
Eight is enough
Lompoc is a city at a crossroads. In an attempt to break free from the economic doldrums, city leaders and residents are taking steps to revitalize an aging downtown and to boost tourism in the area. The City Council election on Nov. 6, which will decide three seats, is a pivotal one in determining the…
Stand Down is a success
Hundreds of military veterans attended the first-ever Stand Down Santa Barbara County event at the Santa Maria Fairpark on Oct. 13. Volunteers served food, passed out supplies, and helped veterans sign up for various free and low-cost services. Pictured are volunteers setting up a tent and Willie Galvan and Duane Goff of the American GI…
Shuttle helps stranded veterans get medical attention
Oct. 15 marked the start of a new veteran shuttle service, put in place to take vets throughout San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara counties to their various doctor appointments, according to project coordinator Milt Batson. The Central Coast Volunteer Veterans shuttle will serve veterans five days a week, eight hours a day, and transport…
Correction
The Sun would like to correct some information printed in its Oct. 11 news brief, “The Santa Maria-Bonita school board drama continues.” Board candidate Michael Kon previously worked for the Santa Maria-Bonita School District for four months. News Briefs is compiled by Sun writers from staff reporting and local and national media. Information should be…
Mental health services director announces her resignation
On Oct. 10, Ann Detrick—director of Santa Barbara County’s Department of Alcohol, Drug, and Mental Health Services (ADMHS)—announced her resignation in a letter to the Board of Supervisors. Detrick’s last day of work will be Nov. 7, after which she will go on two months’ worth of accrued vacation. “Serving in this role on behalf…
Firefighters raise concerns about Santa Barbara County’s helicopter rescue program
An anonymous letter sent to local media by a group of “concerned professional firefighters” is raising some concerns about Santa Barbara County’s emergency aviation unit, a joint program between the sheriff’s and fire departments. The departments officially consolidated their helicopter fleets in July to save the county money on maintenance and training costs. Sheriff Bill…
DA’s office finds Lompoc police shooting justified
On Oct. 10, the Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office determined Lompoc police were justified in using deadly force against Vietnam veteran Lawrence Kitchen. According to the DA’s report, Kitchen, 67, got into a disagreement on June 4 over parking at his apartment complex on I Street in Lompoc. Armed with a shotgun and handgun,…
