Cover Story
Santa Maria gets back to business
Santa Maria business owner Lester Dalisay is hoping for a merry Christmas. In fact, he’s counting on one to save his hobby shop on Main Street. Dalisay opened Big Boys Toys, a store specializing in remote-controlled cars and planes, after relocating in January. With the recession and online merchants teaming up to dwindle his profits…
Local Red Cross members deploy to Samoa
The Santa Barbara chapter of the Red Cross has deployed seven volunteers to help with the group’s tsunami relief effort in the American Samoan Islands. Before leaving, the volunteers attended a briefing at the county chapter headquarters in Santa Barbara. The volunteers will help to provide shelter for people who’ve been displaced, provide mental…
United Way collects a bus full of bounty for local students
The bus was officially stuffed at the Northern Santa Barbara County United Way’s annual “Stuff the Bus” event, during which local community members donated more than $16,225 in school supplies to classrooms in the Santa Maria-Bonita School District. Several local businesses, such as UPS and Toyota of Santa Maria, pitched in by holding special…
OfficeMax delivers goods to one lucky Santa Maria teacher
On Oct. 6, Shannon Verbryke, a 6th grade teacher at Robert Bruce School, received a surprise visit from employees of the OfficeMax in Arroyo Grande. The chain is donating $1,000 worth of school supplies to 1,300 teachers nationwide as part of the store’s “A Day Made Better” program, designed to support teachers who spend money…
Public to pay for power line mistakes
As September came to an end, a portion of the hills surrounding Vandenberg Air Force Base ignited into flames and burned into October—for about six days—charring more than 600 acres. The blaze began, officials later announced, because of sparks from crossed power lines. Unlike past local fires, the Pine Canyon flare-up claimed no victims,…
Grants fund new fire stations
The city of Santa Maria has successfully secured two grants totaling more than $4 million from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The money will go toward the construction of two new fire stations. “There were 8,000 applicants nationwide, and there were only seven grants awarded here…
Celebrate peace with Marian Medical Center
A feeling of peace and well-being will envelop the communities of Santa Maria, Orcutt, and Guadalupe the week of Oct. 12 when the People for Nonviolence Committee of Marian Medical Center hosts the 13th annual Peace Week. The event will feature a variety of activities and programs designed to bring Santa Maria Valley locals…
Both sides claim victories in forest ruling
More than a million acres of wildland in the Los Padres, Angeles, Cleveland, and San Bernardino national forests have been at the heart of a legal battle between seven environmental groups and the U.S. Forest Service. And a late September ruling in the case seems to have been met with favor from both sides. …
Firefighters snuff out blaze near Vandenberg Air Force Base
In less than a week’s time, Santa Barbara County firefighters have doused the flames of a brush fire burning near Vandenberg Air Force Base. As of Oct. 5, the Pine Canyon fire was at 100 percent containment. Approximately 617 acres burned, according to joint press releases from Vandenberg Air Force Base and the Santa…
Holiday Inn snags top award
InterContinental Hotels Group recognized Holiday Inn and Suites Santa Maria for its superior guest satisfaction, making the hotel one of just four in the state to receive the group’s award for quality excellence. The award is based on scores compiled from guest surveys, in which visitors evaluate hotels on the quality of product, service,…
Cook out with the Lions
The Orcutt Lions invite the public to have a spooky old time at the club’s Halloween cook-your-own dinner event on Oct. 16. Taking place at 126 S. Broadway, the fun begins at 5:30 p.m. and includes a costume contest, prize raffles, a 50-50 drawing, and a no-host bar. The cost is $10 per person.…
Auction benefits Alzheimer’s caregivers
Volunteer assistants for people with Alzheimer’s will soon see some added relief thanks to the Central Coast Wine Classic Fund-A-Need Auction, which presented the Central Coast Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association with a gift of $66,750. The money will allow for the continuation of the group’s Respite Care program, which provides services for unpaid…
Luncheon topic: budget cuts
The impact of the state’s decision to borrow city government money on civil services will be the topic of consideration at the Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce’s Business Development Committee Luncheon set for Oct. 20. The event’s guest speaker will be Santa Maria’s assistant city manager, Rick Haydon, who will discuss the possible…
If you could open a business tomorrow, what would it be?
Sandra Alvarez teeth whitening technician “A clothing store. I feel like the stores that we have here are just for girls. We need more stores for males to shop for besides Anchor Blue.” Jim Brenneman subcontractor administrator “Something like Camp ’N‘ Pack. I like the kind of material that they sell there. Also, I served…
Political Watch 10-8
California Assembly candidate Etta Waterfield has added another endorsement to her list. On Sept. 28, Atascadero’s former Mayor Pro Tem Roberta Fonzi announced her support of the Santa Maria Republican for the open 33rd District Assembly seat. “Etta Waterfield is exactly the type of legislator we need in Sacramento,” Fonzi said in a press release.…
Community Notebook 10-8
MONDAY, OCT. 12 • 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, OCT. 13 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Betteravia Government Center’s…
Hobnobbing with Helen
Such a busy weekend it was! Santa Marians had a jam-packed social schedule on Sept. 26 and 27. The Santa Maria Valley Humane Society holds its annual autumn fundraising dinners at the very nicest places. This year, it was at Rancho Miranda, a property awash with gazebos, trellises, plants, greenery, and views. Jeanne Miranda…
YMCA registers for basketball and soccer
The Santa Maria Valley YMCA is currently accepting registrations for rookie sports basketball and adult arena soccer. Designed for children aged 3 to 6, the rookie sports program encourages participants to learn at their own pace and develop confidence. Players of all levels are welcome to sign up before the Oct. 14 deadline.…
Hancock honors troops at an upcoming game
For the seventh straight year, Allan Hancock College will salute the armed forces during the Bulldogs’ home game against Bakersfield on Oct. 10. The first 250 active-duty military members, veterans, and their families to pick up advance tickets will get free admission to the game and a tailgate-style tri-tip meal before it starts. The…
Follow the rules
“Emhasize the physicality.” That’s what Executive Editor Ryan Miller told me when I asked him if I could do a sports (and recreation!) story on lobster diving at Anacapa Island. Later, as I stood—red faced and swearing horribly—in the dive shop fitting room struggling to get into a wetsuit that, I’m sure, was…
Rob Goodenough
After suffering through a motorcycle accident and the grueling effects of long-distance running, Rob Goodenough turned his head toward the art of cycling. His doctor pointed out that cycling would be a great form of rehabilitation for his injured right knee. Since then, however, Goodenough has adopted cycling as a way of life—not just for…
The thin green dollar
Your cover story about game wardens (“For the love of nature,” Sept. 10) states there are too few of them, they are deputized federal agents, they start at $41,000 per year, they have trouble recruiting due to collegiate requirements, and they depend upon fine money to finance this incredibly important job that they do. …
Superb squash
Wearing bright hues of yellow, green, or sun-struck orange, the gourds, pumpkins, and winter squash of autumn set the tone for the colorful season ahead. As sure as baseball comes to an end and leaves tumble to the ground, these rotund fruits—potent symbols of harvest bounty everywhere they grow—make their way into our soups, dinners,…
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…
Farmer’s 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 and St.…
Health
SANSUM CLINIC offers a diabetes essentials class Oct. 8 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. A macular degeneration class is Oct. 13 from 10 to 11:30 a.m. A diabetes and pre-diabetes nutrition class is Oct. 15 from noon to 1:30 p.m. at the clinic. Cost is $10. The clinic is…
Art
FREE ART CLASSES are offered for elementary school aged kids through adults on Oct. 10 at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., and noon at Bethany Church, 4849 Bethany Lane, Orcutt. Info: lindablevins.com or 929-0683. THE GUADALUPE CULTURAL ARTS AND EDUCATION CENTER presents the exhibition “Re-hacer/Des-echos 2009” featuring the work of Juan Manuel Perez Salazar through…
Learning
COMMUNITY PARTNERS IN CARING present a Volunteer Orientation and Training on Oct. 9 from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the United Way Building, 1660 S. Broadway, Santa Maria. Info: 925-8000 or community@partnersincaring.org. THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF UNIVERSITY WOMEN, Santa Maria branch, holds its monthly meeting with the topic “Understanding Today’s Finances” on Oct.…
Recreation
THE DUNES CENTER presents its third annual Coreopsis Cup golf tournament on Oct. 9 with a shotgun start at noon at the Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo. Info: 343-2455, Ext. 201. WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY OF PISMO BEACH Recreation Division Community Development Department presents a “Standup Paddle Boarding Class” Oct. 17,…
Kids & Family
THE NIPOMO SWAPMEET holds a Halloween Bucks Giveaway for kids on Oct. 11, 18, and 25 at noon at the Swapmeet in Nipomo. Cost is $3. Info: 929-7000. THE BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB presents Youth Basketball League Sing-Ups on Oct. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at the club, 901 N. Railroad, Santa Maria.…
Dance Lessons
THE CITY OF SANT MARIA Recreation and Parks Department presents a “Cardio Dance Fusion” class Tuesdays from 6 to 7:15 p.m. through Oct. 27 at the Elwin Mussell Center, 510 East Park Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $33.50, $27 for city residents. Info: 925-0951, Ext. 264, or ci.santa-maria.ca.us. WORTH THE DRIVE THE CITY…
Stage
ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE Dance Department presents Dimensions in Dance, featuring 11 original dances performed and choreographed by faculty and students in various styles Oct. 14 through 17 at 7 p.m. and Oct. 18 at 2 p.m. at the Marian Theatre, Allan Hancock College, 800 S. College Ave., Santa Maria. Cost is $12 to $15. Info:…
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
THE LOMPOC MUSIC ASSOCIATION presents a concert featuring Project—a flute, bass, and cello ensemble—on Oct. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at First United Methodist Church, 925 North F St., Lompoc. Cost is $25, or $10 for students. Info: 688-4687 or lompocconcert.org. WORTH THE DRIVE THE SANTA BARBARA SYMPHONY presents “Sizzlin’ Fiddlin,’” a benefit performance…
Special Events
GROWING GROUNDS FARM presents its second annual Harvest Festival, featuring fresh flowers, organic vegetables, art, music, and unique products on Oct. 8 from noon to 6 p.m. at the farm at West Foster Road and California Boulevard. in Orcutt. Info: 541-5144, Ext. 175, or hbrown@t-mha.org. THE CENTRAL COAST RAILROAD FESTIVAL celebrates railroad history in…
Free for you!
¡Viva el Arte de Santa Barbara! announced its fifth season of free music, dance, and community outreach in Santa Barbara County. The artists will present traditions rooted in Mexican culture with spectacle and style. Each weekend includes outreach activities and free performances at the Isla Vista School on Fridays at 7 p.m., at the…
Makofske to hold book signing
Author Leonard V. Makofske will hold a book signing at B. Dalton, 177 Santa Maria Town Center, from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 10. Makofske penned the young adult novel, The Adventures of Skipperjack: An Epic Fairy Tale.
Art instructor gets noticed
Marti Fast, Allan Hancock College art instructor, has work featured in two high-profile venues. Two of her figure drawings have been selected for inclusion in a new book: Strokes of Genius 2: The Best of Drawing Light and Shadow, set for release this month. Her work is also being featured in a Central Coast gallery.…
On the radio
Micheal Corob wants people to see the beaty in the Central Coast, but he’s appealing to their ears to do so. Once a month, Corob takes part in a radio broadcast by KSMA “Mornings on Radio 1240” radio personality Doug Nelson to bring attention to the arts and persuade listeners to come out and…
Beyond the city limits
Austin, Texas, proudly boasts the mantra of being the self-proclaimed live music capital of the world and thus draws musicians from all over the globe like moths to a light, but despite this influx of talent, it’s fittingly a fifth-generation Texan who’s become one of the city’s musical fixtures. If Austin is the heart of…
