Cover Story
Brandon Gutierrez
In some athletes, talent is evident right off the bat. For longtime boxing trainer Willie Flores, he saw it in Brandon Gutierrez the moment the 12-year-old stepped foot into the Santa Maria Boxing Club. “I saw him hitting the bag and the way he was moving and the way he handled himself,” Flores said. “I…
Weekend warriors
For Scott Chapman, free safety for the Central Coast Seminoles, Sept. 11 was a homecoming of sorts. The 33-year-old was back on the same Santa Ynez High School field where he once played prep ball; it was for the first time since he hit the turf for the defunct semipro Santa Barbara Condors in 2001.…
Walk for Lompoc Hospital
The Lompoc Hospital Foundation will be holding its 20th annual fundraising Walk-a-thon on Oct. 2 at Ryon Park. Participants can choose to walk either 3.1 or 5 miles. Check in is 9 a.m. with the walk starting at 9:30. Prizes will be given away, and a free lunch will be served to walkers. Each participant…
Fall into league basketball
West Coast Xtreme Youth Basketball Academy is seeking boys and girls in fourth through eighth grades to play basketball in a fall league at Cuesta College beginning in September. Teams will play a 10-game schedule, with two games each Sunday until Oct. 31. The cost will be determined depending on the number of players on…
Tee off with Altrusa
Altrusa of Cinco Ciudades—a nonprofit focusing on literacy, special needs, and leadership development—will present its 18th annual “Tee-Off With Altrusa” golf tournament on Oct. 2 at Monarch Dunes Golf Course in Nipomo. Non-golfing supporters of Altrusa can sign up for a wine tour, then join the golfers for a banquet dinner and live auction. Spouses…
Speller’s delight
Word wizards will have their time to shine at the Central Coast Literacy Council’s annual Spelling Bee and Silent Auction on Sept. 18 at Shepard Hall in the Santa Maria Public Library, 421 S. McClelland St. Sponsored teams will compete in the contest, which starts at 1 p.m. and continues until there’s only one team…
Let’s go clean a beach!
Bust out the garbage bags and pokers—it’s time to do some fall cleaning. As part of California Coastal Cleanup Day 2010, the California Coastal Commission and Santa Barbara County Public Works Department are encouraging locals to help pick up trash and debris at dozens of local beaches on Sept. 25. Last year, according to a…
Jazz Age returns for Mayor’s Ball
It will be a black-and-white affair at the fourth annual 2010 Northern Santa Barbara County Mayors’ Ball, held on Oct. 2 in Santa Maria. The theme for the evening is “All That Jazz,” and features a gourmet dinner, dancing to Beaujolais, and a silent and live auction. The event will serve as a fundraiser for…
Live in the fast lane
Verizon Wireless Inc. announced that the company recently added a new higher speed Internet service in the Santa Maria area. On Aug. 30, the company added a new high-speed tier with 10- to 15-megabits-per-second downstream and 1 megabit-per-second upstream service. Prices for the high-speed tier range from $49.99 to $59.99 per month for residential customers.…
Council approves liquor licenses
The Santa Maria City Council on Sept. 7 approved liquor licenses for two Walgreens locations, and denied a license to a local convenience store. By 4-1 votes, the council approved requests for “Type-20” beer and wine sales licenses at Walgreens stores at 2399 S. Broadway and 707 N. Broadway. The In In Out Market at…
Chamber discusses new programs
New Santa Maria Valley Chamber of Commerce programs will be discussed at a combined meeting of the Manufacturers Association and Business Development Committee on Sept. 28. The online Chamber Challenge newsletter, Chambercard benefit program, and Chamber Master—the Chamber’s new membership management software—will be the topics of a detailed talk by Marcy Lariz, events coordinator for…
Dirty round secrets
We recently had a loss in our family. It was very tough emotionally, and obviously quite tragic—as you could imagine. Out of all of us, my wife has taken it the hardest. It’s been rough. Things just haven’t been the same at our house since the dishwasher died. It wasn’t a complete surprise. The dishwasher…
Keep the left lanes on freeways for passing only
It’s not unusual to see drivers speed onto the freeway, then immediately steer to the outermost left lane and remain there, refusing to relinquish it when a faster car closes, even though no one occupies the lane to the right. No one in power seems to care about this dangerous behavior. If you could do…
Feed the hunger
Finally, a Central Coast restaurant where simplicity rules and flashy fare takes a back seat to homemade comfort food. Located in Lompoc, Valley Soup and Sandwich offers healthy alternatives for hungry diners who appreciate hearty soups, salads, and sandwiches. Valley Soup and Sandwich is the brainchild of Mark Ashmalla and his sister-in-law, Leslie Rindscliesch, who…
Foshee sings to you
Gary Foshee, singer-songwriter, will kick off the 2010/2011 “Sing To Me” concert series at The C Gallery in Los Alamos on Saturday evening, Oct. 2, at 8 p.m. Foshee will open the series with “My Mom Played Guitar,” an evening of original compositions with guitar accompaniment. Foshee’s mom—a singer/songwriter herself—was the inspiration for his musical…
Join the crew
Pirates of Pirate’s Cove, an interactive murder mystery dinner theater production, is looking for shipmates. The adventure starts at 5 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 26, at the Sypglass Inn Restaurant. Enjoy a three-course dinner provided by The Spyglass Inn Restaurant while bribing suspects and trying to solve a crime. The show plays every Sunday from…
Weaving hope
Mike Weaver never set out to be a rock star. His ambitions were a bit more humble. He simply wanted to help people worship. But there were other plans in store for Weaver, and now, as part of the band Big Daddy Weave, he’s leading the Hope Restored Tour. “We never wanted to be those…
Laughs and lies
Comedy, a pair of one-acts by the Tony-winning Sir Peter Shaffer (Equus and Amadeus). While very different in tone, both plays deal with the deception and hypocrisy inherent in classism. Shaffer gives us drama in the first act and comedy in the second, a structure also used by such plays as Shakespeare’s A Winter’s Tale…
Crying foul at a candidate
The race is on for the Santa Maria City Council, and one of the hopefuls, 29-year-old Jose Vargas, has had some explaining to do. Since Vargas threw his hat in the ring, several city residents who’ve engaged in business dealings with the political newcomer have come forward to press outlets and the City Council, claiming…
Political Watch 09.16
Still deciding who will get your vote in the Santa Maria City Council race? All seven City Council candidates have been invited to a forum on Sept. 29 to discuss their platforms and answer questions from the public. The forum, conducted by the League of Women Voters and co-sponsored by Santa Barbara County Action Network…
Community Notebook 09.16
FRIDAY, SEPT. 17 • The Lompoc City/County Coalition for the Homeless has its regular meeting from noon to 1 p.m. in the Board of Supervisors Conference Room, 401 E. Cypress Ave., Lompoc. TUESDAY, SEPT. 21 • The Santa Barbara County Board of Supervisors has its regular meeting at 9 a.m. in the Board of…
A little taste of victory
A glass of wine is said to be beneficial to one’s health. On Sept. 18, it will be beneficial to the health of many when the Huntington’s Disease Support Group holds a fundraising event from 1 to 4 p.m. at Costa de Oro Tasting Room in Santa Maria. At the event, each pour will cost…
Peace be with you, Santa Maria
Now, more than ever, peace and understanding are things everyone must strive for, as individuals and as a society. That’s the message organizers of Santa Maria’s 14th annual Peace Week are trying to get out to the public. Festivities promoting peace throughout Northern Santa Barbara County will begin Sept. 20 at noon with a luncheon…
Blakeslee votes against Republican budget
During the frantic last days of the 2010 legislative session, State Senator Sam Blakeslee did something unusual for a freshman Republican: He voted against his party’s spending plan. To be fair, he also voted against the Democratic budget proposal. Blakeslee sent this explanation in an e-mail statement to New Times, the Sun’s sister paper to…
Foster care legislation awaits governor’s signature
Despite two years of back and forth and several last-minute amendments, a bill to extend benefits for former foster youths passed through the California Assembly and the Senate and now sits on the governor’s desk. The response to Assembly Bill 12 was largely bipartisan in both houses, passing through the Assembly 73-2 and the Senate…
Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s deputies find Solvang man dead in home
On Sept. 12, members of the Santa Barbara County Sheriff’s Department found the body of a Solvang man after responding to a domestic disturbance call. Sheriff’s deputies called in the department’s Special Enforcement Team (commonly referred to as SWAT) after they were unable to make contact with Harold F. Meyers, 43, who was believed to…
They’re moving on up … on East Cook
After almost 10 years of planning, Santa Barbara County officials have finally approved the initiation of construction on a new North County Superior Court Clerk’s Office building. On Sept. 16, presiding Judge Arthur Garcia and Court Executive Officer Gary Blair planned—along with representatives from local law enforcement agencies, attorneys, and court employees—to gather for a…
What do you admire most about Native Americans?
Scott Underwood instructor “Their devotion to caring for creation.” Erika Faires student “Their music, dance, and art; also their traditional clothing.” Karly Nickell juice maker “Their care for the Earth.” Matt Villasenor oil changer “It’s cool how they’re in touch with the environment, and how just about anyone can trace their heritage back to them—even…
Clubs & Meetings
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Spiritual
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Farmers Markets
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacExte”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } SANTA MARIA 100 S. Broadway at Main, Wednesdays, from 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. Features local beekeepers’ honey and…
Barbecues
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ONGOING FILIPINO COMMUNITY OF SANTA MARIA VALLEY barbecues Filipino food at the Smart and Final parking lot, N. Broadway on Saturdays and…
Health
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } HIRUDAYA HOLISTIC LIFE CENTER offers a friends and family massage class is also through Allan Hancock College Sept. 21, 23, and 28.…
Art
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ALLAN HANCOCK COLLEGE shows metalwork by Hancock staff and students in “Metal Bedazzled” through Sept. 23 in the Ann Foxworthy Gallery, Allan…
Learning
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } MERRIL GARDENS and Home Instead Senior Care presents Active Living After Calling 911 Sept. 23 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at…
Recreation
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } 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
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } THE COMMUNITY ACTION COMMISSION and the Boys and Girls and Girls Club present a healthy snack program for kids from 2:30 to…
Dance Lessons
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } ONGOING BLUE MOON HAVEN BELLY DANCE currently teaches American Tribal Style dance classes on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays in Lompoc and Thursdays…
Stage
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCondItal”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } PCPA THEATERFEST presents its production of Invierno by Jose Cruz Gonzalez through Sept. 19 in the Severson Theatre,…
Night Life
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BlacExte”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } The following venues offer either regularly scheduled live entertainment or DJ-hosted dance music. Most performances start after 6…
Concerts
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } BRIGITTE HOUGH will perform a benefit concert of piano music Sept. 19 at 3 p.m. in benefit of the Seventh-Day Adventist Church,…
Special Events
@font-face { font-family: “Times”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-LighCond”; }@font-face { font-family: “NimbusSanD-BoldCond”; }p.MsoNormal, li.MsoNormal, div.MsoNormal { margin: 0in 0in 0.0001pt; font-size: 10pt; font-family: “Times New Roman”; }span.WW-Absatz-Standardschriftart { }div.Section1 { page: Section1; } PIONEER VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL will present its annual “Back to School Night” on Sept. 16 from 5 to 7 p.m. at the…
