Cover Story
The Sun profiles four standout high school football players
To some, a football stadium is one of the most beautiful sights in the world. The plush grass is green, chalked, and waiting for the welcome wear and tear of cleats. The scoreboard stands ready to light up numbers powerful enough to make or break a team. While the bleachers wait to come alive with…
What do you think of the Santa Maria City Council allowing the emergency ordinance banning discount stores downtown to expire?
Matt St. Laurent project manager, Atlas Copco Mafi-Trench “… [The ordinance] doesn’t attract the right kind of stores, the higher-end stores. There’re too many discount stores.” Dwight Frost retired “I’m pretty much for free enterprise. … But, then again, cities are able to create their own laws.” Robert Segal U.S. Army Sgt. Maj., retired “I…
Lucia Mar gets serious about energy savings with a solar program
On Oct. 15, the Lucia Mar Unified School District Board of Trustees made a move that will shoot the district into the world of green energy. Trustees voted to fund a $14 million energy savings project that will lead to the installation of solar panel arrays at six of the district’s 19 schools and the…
Ride 2 Recovery soldiers cycle their way through the Central Coast
Watch a video of Ride 2 Recovery by Amy Asman A voice shouts, “There they are!” People stop what they’re doing and move to the sidewalk, their toes close to the concrete edge, their eyes trained on the horizon. The red-white-and-blue-clad cyclists move up the hill like a giant amoeba, the late afternoon sun bouncing…
Crafting fun
Michaels offers several arts and crafts events for kids, including a “Kids’ Club Halloween Fun” event on Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. to noon. A “Kids’ Club Thanksgiving Handcrafted Turkey” event is Nov. 2 from 10 a.m. to noon for $2, which includes supplies. Michaels is located at 1934 S. Broadway in Santa Maria. More…
Girls only!
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center are offering a special “Girls’ Night Out” event for seventh- through 12th-grade girls for free. The evening event will include snacks, spa treatments, crafts, cookie decorating, and a “Chick Flick” movie marathon. The event is scheduled for Nov. 2 from 5…
It’s OK for adults to dress up too
The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department offers a Halloween party for active adults over the age of 50. The event has a haunted Western saloon theme, and costumes are encouraged. Activities will include a pumpkin shooting range, jail photo booth, refreshments, and live music by the students from Pioneer Valley High School. No reservations…
Author event canceled
Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Bookworm has had to cancel its author event featuring Samaire Provost on Oct. 26. Keep your eyes out for any future author events and open mic nights at The Bookworm at facebook.com/thebookwormcali or by calling 922-4282.
Get your event in the Sun’s Holiday Guide
The holidays are a time for celebration, from community pageants and special performances, to art shows and charity events. Make sure you get your special event in the community’s eye by sending your event information to be included in the Sun’s annual Holiday Guide special issue. Holiday Guide events follow the same process as community…
Artist Margie Bowker gives back to the community that has supported her creativity
Margie Bowker has been living in the United States for less than 20 years, but in that time she has carved out a place for herself in the art world. Born and raised in South Africa, Bowker has enjoyed success in the states with her artwork, which she shares every year by presenting a benefit…
The Allan Hancock College Singers and the San Luis Chamber Orchestra perform Carl Orff’s ‘Carmina Burana’
You know Carl Orff’s composition “Carmina Burana.” You’ve heard it, or at least have heard its epic introductory and finale chorus, “O Fortuna.” Penned by Orff in 1936, the cantata for orchestra and choir hearkens back to traditions of classical music that many had left behind in his time, all the while remaining prescient and…
Spend Dia de los Muertos in Santa Maria
None can say what awaits on the other side, but many believe that those who have passed are still with us in some way. Whether they live on through memories, effigy, or just in our hearts, the departed are never totally gone. The Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department and a coalition of local organizations…
Get a sweatshirt
The other day my family was about to leave the house. Most of us had recognized we needed to be somewhere so we were ready to roll. However, one component of our family somehow didn’t get the message. In reality, leaving the house is not a very difficult task. First put on pants, then shoes,…
Ballard Canyon becomes its own American Viticultural Area
Years of effort by local vintners paid off when the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau recently agreed to designate the 7,800-acre Ballard Canyon as a new American Viticultural Area. Wineries producing wine with grapes grown is this area can now print the words “Ballard Canyon” on labels, which sets them apart from…
Program to help teen parents begins its 34th year
Children of teen parents in North County can receive free childcare and meals through a Santa Barbara County Education Office program starting its 34th year of service. Those enrolled at one of two California School Age Families Education Centers operated by the office can receive the services while their parents complete a high school education.…
Lompoc volunteers plan career day for seventh-graders
Seventh-graders at Lompoc Valley Middle School will have an opportunity to learn about career options and to meet local experts during a career day on Oct. 29 organized by the North County Volunteer Corps. Students will rotate among classrooms to hear guest speakers talk about a wide range of career fields during the event, which…
Tibetan monks bring Buddhism to El Camino students
The strange, guttural sounds only throat-singing can make formed the base of a Buddhist chant about wisdom led by Tibetan monk and chant master Geshe Chophel in front of El Camino Junior High School world history students on Oct. 17. It was part of a quick lesson on religion three monks from the Drepung Gomang…
Political Watch 10/24/13
• Gov. Jerry Brown appointed Santa Barbara County District Attorney Joyce Dudley to the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST). Dudley was sworn into the position on Oct. 16. The commission was established to set minimum selection and training standards for California law enforcement. Dudley is the only elected official and district…
Community Notebook 10/24-10/31
MONDAY, OCT. 28 • The South County Advisory Council has its regular meeting at 6:30 p.m. at the Nipomo Community Services District Headquarters, 148 S. Wilson St., Nipomo. • The Solvang City Council has its regular meeting at 7 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 1644 Oak Street, Solvang. Agendas are available at cityofsolvang.com.
Community Corner: Opportunities expo celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month
PathPoint celebrates National Disability Employment Awareness Month on Oct. 24 with the annual Santa Maria Opportunities Expo. The theme for this year’s festivities is “Because We Are EQUAL to the Task.” The Opportunities Expo showcases service opportunities available to adults with disabilities living in Northern Santa Barbara and Southern San Luis Obispo counties. The event…
Correction
In its Oct. 17 news brief about the Camp 4 fee-to-trust application, the Sun incorrectly reported on the Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors’ decision. County supervisors voted to oppose the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians’ fee-to-trust application.
Lompoc could soon have a tourism district of its own
The Lompoc City Council voted unanimously at its Oct. 15 meeting to adopt a resolution declaring the intention to launch a Lompoc Tourism Improvement District. More than 80 percent of the hotel owner/operators in Lompoc signed a petition in favor of the district, which would be funded via a 2 percent assessment fee on hotel…
District Attorney labels January officer-involved shooting a justifiable homicide
The Santa Barbara County District Attorney’s Office released a report on Oct. 17 that said Santa Maria police officers used justifiable force in the shooting death of Robert Michael Guzman on Jan. 13 of this year. According to the DA’s Office, the Santa Maria Police Department received a 911 call at 10:22 p.m. the evening…
Defendants in Ibarra murder trial enter pleas
After months of arraignment hearing continuances, defendants held for the March gang-related torture and murder of 28-year-old Anthony Ibarra entered not guilty pleas for all charges on Oct. 18. The 10 remaining defendants in the case also denied all special allegations tied to the charges against them during the arraignment hearing. Defendant Carmen Cardenas pleaded…
Nipomo businesswoman Lynn Compton enters SLO County’s 4th District supervisor race
Almost immediately after San Luis Obispo County’s newest supervisor, Caren Ray, was sworn in, the seat quickly attracted competition. Lynn Compton of Nipomo announced her candidacy for the board’s 4th District seat on Oct. 10. The seat, which represents parts of south SLO County—including Nipomo, Oceano, parts of Arroyo Grande, and areas east of Highway…
Spotlight on: Palo Mesa Pizza
Michael Stevens did it again. Every time the chef and owner of Palo Mesa Pizza in Arroyo Grande travels across the country to compete in pizza competitions, he places higher than the time before. Earlier this month, the passionate pizzaiolo went to Las Vegas to compete in the American Pizza Championship and Fall Trials at…
You’ve done what others haven’t in fee-to-trust reporting
I just wanted to compliment you regarding your reporting on the Oct. 15 Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors meeting regarding the “Camp 4” issue (“County to oppose Chumash fee-to-trust application,” Oct. 17). It seems in some cases other reporters got some facts wrong, misquoted folks, or seemed to let their own personal bias creep…
Trick or tramp?
Everything I wear has to go with yellow. I have a lot of black in my wardrobe, a lot of white, and a lot of warm colors: reds and oranges. Gray is in right now. I’ve got some bold purple pieces, too, for that striking, complementary-color look. If I’m feeling casual, I dress casual—though feathers…
Clean energy: A crop to harvest
Increased fossil fuel production and climate change are poised to hit local agriculture hard. Could these twin threats imperil our area’s agricultural economy? Agriculture, tourism, and wine make up the largest segment of our economy, directly employing 15 percent of Santa Barbara County’s workforce, according to a study commissioned by Santa Barbara County’s Workforce Investment…
What’s on Deck? 10/24 – 10/31
Thursday, Oct.24 Girls’ Volleyball St. Joseph vs. Pioneer Valley @ SJHS, 6 p.m. Santa Maria vs. Santa Ynez @ SMHS, 5:30 p.m. Nipomo vs. Templeton @ NHS, 5:30 p.m. Girls’ Tennis St. Joseph vs. San Luis @ SJHS, 3:30 p.m. Cabrillo vs. Nipomo @ NHS, 3:30 p.m. Santa…
To the top!
Join the Nipomo Parks and Recreation Department and a state park docent for the Valencia Peak hike at Montaña de Oro State Park. The moderate-level hike will depart Nov. 16 at 10 a.m. and return at 12:30 p.m. Please wear proper hiking attire, and bring plenty of water. Meet at Montaña de Oro State Park…
Support the Special Olympics
Support Special Olympics of Northern Santa Barbara County at this year’s law enforcement torch run and crab feed on Nov. 22. Open to all ages, the event will feature all-you-can-eat snow crab, live entertainment, and a silent auction. The event kicks off 6 p.m. at the Veterans Memorial Community Center, 313 W. Tunnell St. Tickets…
Bulldog Spotlight
This week, Athlete of the Week honors for Allan Hancock College went to women’s soccer player Renee Block. She has played more than 700 minutes with only 12 goals allowed. She scores 1.5 goals per game. According to Hancock officials, Block is a great team leader who helps keep every game to a tight score.
Dance until you drop
Through Nov. 28, the Buellton Veterans Hall will be offering a series of adult dance classes. For $70 a person through Oct. 24, dancers can learn the techniques of ballroom as well as east and west coast swing dance. Experienced dance teacher Dawn Ramallo-Wilson will teach the course.
Learn about Chumash times
Join the docents at the Oceano campgrounds for a free half-mile walk around the Oceano lagoon and learn about how the Chumash lived before explorers arrived. Scheduled for Oct. 25, the walk begins at 1:30 p.m. Meet at the Nature Center at 555 Pier Ave., Oceano.
Spooky hustle
Make your way quickly past ghosts, goblins, and monsters to this year’s inaugural Halloween Hustle Oct. 26. The event will feature a kids’ one-mile fun run for ages 6 to 13 and a 5K race for ages 14 and older. The 5K kicks off at 9 a.m. followed by the kids’ race at 9:45 a.m.…
Meet the Bulldogs
Basketball fans of all ages are invited to the Joe White Memorial Gymnasium on Oct. 24 at 7 p.m. for Meet the Bulldogs night. The event includes a raffle ticket drawing, shooting contest, and exhibition showcase. “We are excited to usher in a new era of Bulldog basketball,” coach Tyson Aye said. “This is a…
Frank Lopez
It’s not often that a freshman is cherry-picked from a club water polo program to play goalie for a varsity high school team, but that’s exactly what happened with Frank Lopez. When the former goalie graduated last year, Santa Maria High School’s varsity water polo coach Antonio McNeil started scouting for new talent. There were…
